Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Jersey City, NJ: $37.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Jersey City, NJ runs $37.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,389 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Jersey City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,037 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Jersey City is projected to be $37.69, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive rate reflects the cost of living in the area and supports various work arrangements, including part-time roles typically functioning three days a week or per-diem positions. For professionals working in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics, the hourly pay can greatly influence their take-home income. Entry-level COTAs can expect to earn around $25.10 per hour, while seasoned professionals may earn up to $47.60, marking an important distinction for those seeking upward mobility in their careers. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, aligning with the financial implications of their roles in therapeutic environments.
About the Jersey City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.10 | $200.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.87 | $246.99 |
| Median (P50) | $37.69 | $301.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.55 | $332.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.60 | $380.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jersey City
Based on $37.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.69/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jersey City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $78,396 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,228. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Jersey City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jersey City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,507.61 | $6,533 | $78,396 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $904.56 | $3,920 | $47,037 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $603.04 | $2,613 | $31,358 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Jersey City) | $37.69 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $78,389 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% above the New Jersey state average of $77,078.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.69/hr = $47,037/year (purchasing power: $40,831).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,396/year (purchasing power: $68,052).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jersey City grew 17.5% from $31.19/hr (2019) to $36.66/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.75/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jersey City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Jersey City
For COTAs considering part-time work, opting for a three-day week (approximately 24 hours) results in an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues, yet still competitive given the local job market. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Jersey City typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, which can range from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly for travel COTA contracts, providing flexibility for workers. However, the declining premium pay for agency COTAs following the 15% Medicare Part B cut in 2022 may affect job choices. Various employer types, from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics and home health agencies, can offer different compensation structures, often balancing hourly wages against benefits like health insurance. COTAs might negotiate for higher rates in exchange for fewer or no additional benefits, depending on personal situations. Knowing the local market and having clear salary benchmarks can empower professionals in Jersey City to effectively advocate for their worth, ensuring fair compensation in a dynamic healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Jersey City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jersey City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Jersey City?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Jersey City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Jersey City?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Jersey City?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Jersey City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jersey City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov